Ms.
Morrison, a mother of a five-year old, was struck by a truck and run
over on Sterling Road as she was riding her bicycle to her son’s school.
The truck continued through the intersection and Ms. Morrison was
caught beneath the back wheels of the truck, causing her fatal injuries.
"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Jenna Morrison’s
family," said Andrea Garcia, Director of Advocacy for the bike union.
"This tragic and needless death was preventable. We reiterate our call
to city officials to create bicycle lanes on Toronto roads. How many
more tragic deaths will it take? Clearly, safe spaces for
cyclists are needed more than ever."

The
bike union has an active advocacy group in Ward 18 where the collision
occurred. It is working to develop specific recommendations on improving
the area for cyclists to present to the local Councillor. The Toronto
Cyclists Union maintains that cycling should be realised as a safe and
enjoyable transportation option available to people of all ages. As an
organisation dedicated to cycling, the bike union continues to work
towards realising this goal.

Additionally,
the bike union is calling for mandatory side guards on trucks to help
prevent such unspeakable tragedies, as per a recommendation of the 1998
Toronto Coroner’s Inquiry into cycling fatalities. "If the Coroner’s
recommendation from 13 years ago to mandate side guards on trucks would
have been implemented, Ms. Morrison might still be alive today," Garcia
said. "The cost of installing sideguards is negligible compared to
saving cyclists’ lives."

The
bike union is calling on its members and supporters to take part in a
memorial ride sponsored by Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC) on
Monday, November 14th. The ride will begin at the corner of Bloor Street
and Spadina at 7:30 a.m., and at Dundas Street West and Sterling at
8:00 a.m. It’s an opportunity to show support for Jenna Morrison’s
family and community, and to raise awareness about the need for safer
streets.